Glutamine metabolism in Th17/Treg cell fate: applications in Th17 cell-associated diseases

Guan Yang1,2, Yaoyao Xia1, Wenkai Ren3

  • 1Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.

Alteration in the Th17/Treg cell balance is implicated in various autoimmune diseases and these disease-associated pathologies. Increasing investigations have shown that glutamine metabolism regulates the differentiation of Th17 and Treg cells. Here we summarize the mechanisms by which glutamine metabolism regulates Th17/Treg cell fate. Some examples of a glutamine metabolism-dependent modulation of the development and progression of several Th17 Treg cell-associated diseases are provided afterward. This review will provide a comprehensive understanding of the importance of glutamine metabolism in the fate of Th17 Treg cell differentiation.